But on a federal level, Congress is still not giving people who take transit, bike, or walk to work the same benefits as people who drive and park. In fact, Congress increased the tax benefit for car drivers for their parking costs to $250/month while they slashed the benefits for transit riders to $130/month.

New Best Practices Library paves the way for inspiration and better planning

Envisioning a better El Camino Real

Calendar of Events

Remembering an incredible transit and social justice activist, Alice Frayne

Almost 15 years ago, we got to know Alice Frayne as an incredible activist who was passionate about public transportation as the ultimate social justice issue. She attended transit agency meetings over the years, where she tenaciously, eloquently, and successfully urged elected officials to do more for Bay Area transit riders.

TransForm’s work would be impossible without people like Alice Frayne, and we owe Alice a huge debt of gratitude for her dedication and efforts. Alice inspired us, too: she was always one to “walk the talk,” too, having gotten rid of her car decades ago to opt for the bus. She bought no new clothes, and instead donated all the money she would have spent to people in need. Alice passed away on September 21, 2014, but she will continue to inspire us.

We’re celebrating California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Executive Director of Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, Corinne Winter for their exceptional leadership in creating a better California for everyone. Join us in honoring them on Thursday, October 16th at 6:30 p.m. in San Francisco. We’ll provide: breath-taking views, TransForm-themed cocktails, a food reception and opportunities to support our work - connecting people of all incomes to opportunity while helping to solve our climate crisis.

We’re frustrated that the Governor vetoed SB 1151, a bill we co-sponsored to make school zones safer for kids. But we’re not giving up.

By not putting his signature on SB 1151, Governor Brown gave up a critical opportunity to make California’s streets safer for kids from all communities, no matter where they live or how they get to school. Without SB 1151, the fine for committing a moving violation in a school zone in California remains tragically low, even though California has the highest pedestrian fatality rate among children from 4-7 years old in the nation.

Big things happened in the world of transportation policy this year in California, and most of them came out of deals between the California Legislature and the Governor. There are several victories to celebrate, but also some important opportunities - like SB 1151, mentioned above - to continue working for safe transportation for all Californians in 2015, no matter where they live, where they’re going, or how they get there.

Want more affordable cities with less traffic, lots of public transportation, and more parks and open spaces? Now there's a tool for that.

GreenTRIP's new Parking Database tool provides critical data on parking at 68 residential developments around the Bay Area to help support the efforts of planning professionals, community members, and those who care about making the Bay Area an affordable, healthy, equitable, and wonderful place for everyone to live.

More and more people are riding BART just as BART’s aging fleet deteriorates, putting more BART cars out for repairs. This combination is leaving us stranded on the platforms or stuck like sardines at rush hour and even late at night.

We can make sure BART stays safe, frequent, reliable, and affordable for all, if we help BART leaders make the right decision.

There are many reasons why you should vote on November 4: pothole-free streets, protected bike lanes, more frequent bus service, and safe sidewalks are just a few!

In addition to countywide measures, there are important positions at stake including elections for the BART and AC Transit Board of Directors.

TransForm’s handy Election Guide is here to help you navigate the ballot, so please make your voice heard and remember to vote on November 4!

Measure BB's campaign is in full swing - get involved today!

This month, TransForm is teaming up with Bike East Bay at their offices in Jack London Square to help phone bank for the Yes on BB campaign, and we need you! You may remember us mentioning Measure BB – northern California’s largest transportation funding measure – last month.

You can help us win critical funding for better public transportation, biking, and walking in Alameda County, ALL while meeting great folks, having fun, and knowing you’re making your community a better place…all you have to do is volunteer to help today!

New Best Practices Library paves the way for inspiration and better planning

Last month, TransForm launched a new tool to help planners, transit agencies, nonprofits, and advocates as they tackle and solve the biggest urban issues around the nation. This tool, the Best Practices Library, contains more than a dozen entries that describe and analyze successful transportation plans, programs and projects focused on efficiency, health, and social equity – from the Bay Area to Cleveland. Planners and community advocates will be able to easily find a project or program that could help in their area, and forge ahead armed with key contacts and background information.

Nearly one hundred community members came out on September 11 for “The Future of El Camino Real is in Your Hands,” a forum co-hosted by TransForm and nearly a dozen partner organizations.

Much of the Q&A focused on the El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit project, which has the potential to transform El Camino Real from a place for speeding cars into a walkable destination that people would enjoy visiting. But there’s a lot of misinformation flying around about the project! Our blog post about the event clarifies key aspects about El Camino BRT, which will face some important planning milestones in the months ahead. Read and share our blog, and contact Chris Lepe for more information.

Calendar of Events

Below are a few upcoming events in October 2014. Visit TransForm’s events webpage frequently for details on transportation-related events in the Bay Area and beyond.

TransForm Executive Director Stuart Cohen will speak on a panel titled "Cap-and-Trade 2014 - What's Next?" to discuss the creation of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, and how we can continue to make the case for affordable homes as a greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Register online.

The Silicon Valley Neighborhood Development Training Conference (SV-NDTC) is an annual event attended by over 400 neighborhood local neighborhood residents. This year's luncheon keynote speaker will be Dr. Manuel Pastor. Register online before October 8.

The Urban Planning Coalition (UPC) at San José State is hosting a symposium that will look at how Millennials and Baby Boomers, as two key demographic groups, are affecting growth and change in the Bay Area. Admission is free, register online.

The Designing Cities conference convenes transportation leaders and practitioners from across the country to discuss key trends in urban street design and transportation policy. Buy your ticket online, sales end October 25.

Three-term mayor of Curitiba, architect and urbanist Jaime Lerner has been the driving force behind a host of innovative urban projects for sustainable and livable communities around the globe. Join Lerner in an intimate conversation. Admission is free, register today.